https://www.suzannesteinphoto.com/New-York/i-xfHgq6q/A
This photograph is called “Two Women, New York City” by Suzanne Stein. It is part of her New York Street One body of work. Overall, the main focus would lie on the woman in red, and this is due to many techniques or meanings. On a conceptual note, I believe the position the woman is in gives a lot of power to her as the subject. Overall, this photograph could represent many empowering moments. What first comes to mind would be the strong contrast between a bold woman and the police car oddly parked in the middle of the street. This contrast feels like it could relate to all the protests that take place for women to stand up against stigmas, stereotypes fueled by society. This can include political issues, such as what is currently happening in the country. Although we have rightfully changed women’s rights throughout the years, it almost seems as though they will always be threatened, whether from the public or the government who serves us. Thus, the woman in red can symbolize many empowering emotions over the “society” this police car represents.
On a more technical point of view, Stein’s use of photographic elements rightfully makes her pieces strong and impactful. Each element found in this photograph complements the other, whether in a contrasting or flowing manner. For example, the strongest elements observed here would be diagonals, symmetry, and rule of thirds. The clearest one would be the rule of thirds, in which the woman is standing on the side rather than the middle. This encourages the viewers to not only explore the photo, but to finish and bring focus on the woman as the subject matter. Another element that supports the subject would be all of the diagonals the cars and street lines create. These diagonals going against the horizon clearly show the woman’s stance more parallel, thus outstanding. Finally, there is a strong contrast of symmetry with the buildings leading to a vanishing point and the police car and woman breaking that perfect symmetry.
These elements of symmetry, diagonals, and rule of third all encourage and engage viewers to interpret their meanings behind the subject matters stance. There can be multiple directions towards who or what she represents in contrast to the setting she is placed in, and her overall relationship to it.
Nicely observed. You make a good point that the cityscape is symmetrical while the woman and the police car break that symmetry. I think the main meaning of the photo comes from the contrast of the woman and her rebelliousness and the police car. I can’t help but wonder who are the Two Women mentioned in the title? Is it the figure in red and her tattoo?